It takes a noble man to plant a seed for a tree that will someday give shade to people he may never meet.
D. Elton TruebloodRead
A man has made at least a start on discovering the meaning of human life when he plants shade trees under which he knows full well he will never sit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the selfless act of contributing to the future without personal benefit.
In this quote, D. Elton Trueblood highlights the profound idea that true understanding of human existence comes from acts of kindness and foresight. Planting shade trees symbolizes making sacrifices for the well-being of others, especially future generations, indicating that one's life gains meaning through selfless contributions rather than personal gain or immediate gratification.
Themes
SelflessnessFutureSacrificeContributionKindness
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, this quote can emphasize the importance of contributing to societal welfare.
More from D. Elton Trueblood
All quotes βSimilar quotes
You tell me: 'Life is hard to bear.' But if it were otherwise why should ou have your pride in the morning nad your resignation in the evening?
Friedrich NietzscheRead
Radical simply means 'grasping things at the root.'
Angela DavisRead
The man of virtuous soul commands not, nor obeys.
Percy Bysshe ShelleyRead
I don't like the subtle infiltration of 'something for nothing' philosophies into the very hearthstone of the American family. I believe that 'Thou shalt earn the bread by the sweat of thy face' was a benediction and not a penalty. Work is the zest of life; there is joy in its pursuit.
Branch RickeyRead
Once, during the drinking phase, Wendy had accused him of desiring his own destruction but not possessing the necessary moral fiber to support a full-blown deathwish. So he manufactured ways in which other people could do it, lopping a piece at a time off himself and their family.
Stephen KingRead
One word is too often profaned For me to profane it, One feeling too falsely disdained For thee to disdain it.
Percy Bysshe ShelleyRead